Welcome Calum Andrews
With more than 20 years of modelling experience, Monocure 3D is proud to introduce Calum Andrews as one of our Ambassadors. A selection of his beautifully detailed sculpture models are available to download on our website. Calum has offered some of his models for free, and you can download them below. If you love his work, please support Calum by checking out some of the other models he has shared with us which can be purchased through our online shop.
More of Calum's Models are available below on our webshop!
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Who is Calum Andrews?
To get to know him better, Charlie sat down with Calum so we could all learn more about this highly-skilled 3D concept artist. His 3D printing journey may have just begun, but he has already made big waves in the 3D printing industry. Monocure 3D is proud to call him an Ambassador! We hope you enjoy reading the interview as much as Charlie did making it.
1. Where were you born, and where did you study graphic design?
I was born in London and lived there until ten years ago when I moved to Chesham in Buckinghamshire for a quieter life.
2. Where are you living now?
I run my own Furniture supply company (www.calumandrews.co.uk) a few days a week and work on 3d models and artwork as my second business in my spare days and evenings. (www.calum5.com).
3. Why/How did you become a 3D artist?
I always enjoyed sketching as a young boy, and it developed over my life into concept art, 3d rendering and model making.
4. Why did you get into 3D printing, and how long have you been 3D printing?
I am self-taught in everything I do, and whilst watching various youtube video tutorials, I would see Zbrush artists with all kinds of models of their artwork displayed around the backgrounds in their videos. I had knowledge in model making for 3d props and use in my concept art and wanted to make some of my 3d art physical models that I could have at home too. I’ve been modelling items for around 20 years, but they are high poly and unsuitable for 3d printing. This year I taught myself what was required to make my models 3d printable and am pleased to be now producing my 3d models for personal and business use. I received a lot of feedback and link requests on my uploads through my socials, so I set up a cgtrader store to sell my creations.
5. What are your favourite things to 3d design and print?
I am a creative concept artist, by the description. I enjoy just starting with a blank canvas (screen) and seeing what develops, but I’m generally aiming toward interesting detailed artistic sculpture work. That’s my preference – an artistic, creative freedom workflow. I can model almost anything really- I made Big Ben once for the exercise but always get the most enjoyment from my highly detailed character sculpts. Contemplator, the C5X range, The Clown, Maskara and The Violinist are models I’ve enjoyed working on the most.
6. What printers do you have at the moment?
I have a large 3d printer manufacturer currently communicating under NDA regarding some new technology, which has put my printer purchases on hold. At the moment, I’ve been using my Elegoo Mars 3 (4k Mono). I’ve been looking at the new Saturn 2 (8k Mono) for the larger build volume -but haven’t acquired one yet. I might have some news soon.
7. What is your favourite 3D printer?
So far, my Mars3, as the details 3d printed, is good.
8. What software do you use for 3d modelling?
I use Zbrush for all of my modelling work. I have had it since 2003 and have upgraded it yearly.
9. What about slicing & Supports?
Chitubox is my go-to as it’s what I learned first. I’ve had hardly any issues with my workflow so far, so as of yet am ok with this set-up! I use the basic version but do have the pro version unactivated.
10. Why did you fall in love with our Monocure 3D Resin?
I initially watched some Resin types Youtube videos and found the M3D Crystal clear and others I liked. On researching M3D and seeing the background work that goes into the M3D resins for details and strength, It was a good fit for me. I have had lots of requests for ready-printed models, so I needed a resin that could be more durable and last forever, rather than the lower quality, brittle resins I’ve been using.
11. How do you post-cure your models?
On average, I put them in my MercuryX UV cure station for 4-5 mins – as my models are generally test prints and not too large.
12. How do you wash your models?
I do a pre-wash, then use my MercuryX wash station for around 5 mins before a final rinse and brush. That was my old resin set up.
13. Do you paint, spray or brush? If so, what’s the process?
I spray a primer, then leave it a day, and then either spray a one-colour finish or brush paint with lots of colours. It depends on the model.
14. What type of paint do you use?
I currently use the Army Paints by Vallejo, and the Citadel Warhammer paints.
15. What advice can you give someone starting in Graphic Design and 3D printing?
I’ve found, albeit the long way round, software that can answer the design requirements you seek. Zbrush is an amazingly versatile program allowing organic and complex surface modelling workflows. Other programs are available, but I find for 3d printing, Zbrush has tools to help streamline the process. Plugins like 3dprint exporter, decimation master (to reduce model polycounts, making them 3dprinter friendly), resize master, and the excellent sculpting interface and tools can assist immensely in becoming a design to print artist. The tutorials online are incredible and easy to follow for beginners. You need to dedicate a lot of time and enjoy what your doing.
16. When you are not 3D printing or designing, what do you do in your spare time?
Until late last year, I often walked my best friend Staffordshire Bull Terrier Ria, who sadly ran out of time. Since she passed away, I’ve been spending more time on my modelling and 3dprinting. My partner Caroline has MS, so I look after her with my self-proclaimed fantastic comedy, do the shopping, and might watch some Fantasy/sci-fi or Horror films or series on TV. I occasionally power up the PS5, run around in Elden ring, get annoyed, and turn it off again! The gym sees me sometimes too.
17. Where’s your favourite holiday destination and why?
I haven’t had a holiday for ten years due to work but would love to go back to California to visit my Aunt and cousins.
18. Where do you think 3D printing will be in 10 years?
I think it could be integrated directly through AI software – streamlining the ability of the general public to print objects at home in an instant by voice command. Perhaps the future resins will be re-usable- like throw in your unwanted/required printed objects, and the materials get reformed into the new object. The cost will increase for the premium Eco resins, but a worthy investment in the name of greener technologies. Well, that would be good, but I speculate without a fundamental understanding of what’s involved or to be discovered or learnt in the future of 3d Tech. But maybe something along those lines.
19. Any awards, memorable moments, or funny stories you would like to share?
I had Art used in ‘The World’s most beautiful CG Art’ book by ballistic publications Aus.
Published in Ballistic Media ‘Worlds most beautiful CG Art’ EXOTIQUE 5 (page 41) https://youtu.be/3pwtN962mbQ ( Keja on at 13sec)
I was also having Artwork selected into the Zbrush central Top Row Galleries after many years was a special award.
After putting my 3d STL files of my models online and seeing them purchased in so many countries, I would also add that it has been gratifying.
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